Du Xiaoxiao had been discussing Dao methods with Ding Ying and Yue Luo within the Heaven-Training Dao Canon when she suddenly heard Zhang Yu's voice reach her. She froze for a moment, then immediately realized this might be the person her teacher had once mentioned. Her heart instantly tightened.
Without even stopping to speak with Ding Ying and the others, she hurriedly replied, "Senior, yes, Teacher... Teacher is here."
Zhang Yu said, "Then I must trouble Junior Niece Du to pass word to your teacher. I have found Fellow Daoist Bi Ming. If she is free, she may come and meet him. I will have Fellow Daoist Ming Zhou show her where to descend."
Du Xiaoxiao said, "Yes, Senior. I will tell Teacher at once."
Seeing Du Xiaoxiao fall silent halfway through speaking, Ding Ying asked, "Xiaoxiao, what is it? Is something wrong?"
Yue Luo also asked with concern, "Xiaoxiao, do you need help?"
Du Xiaoxiao steadied herself and said, "It is nothing. Something has come up with Teacher, and she has summoned me over."
Hearing that her teacher had called for her, Yue Luo and Ding Ying both understood and told her not to delay.
Du Xiaoxiao bade the two farewell, put away the Great Dao Unified Text, and stepped out from her residence. Reaching the platform outside, she raised her voice toward the flock of phoenixes overhead.
At a long cry, a red-feathered phoenix descended from the sky. It affectionately nudged close to ingratiate itself with her. She stroked its soft, sleek wings and said, "Scarlet Rainbow, take me to see Teacher."
The phoenix gave a joyful cry, its body instantly growing several sizes larger. It carried Du Xiaoxiao onto its back, spread its wings, and soared into the heavens toward a graceful mountain range in the distance.